Thailand Travel Information

The Basics

Time

GMT +7

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Thai is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Travel Health

As a health precaution, travellers should take medical advice at
least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. There is no
malaria risk in major tourist resorts or in the cities of Bangkok,
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Ko Phangan. But in
rural, forested areas that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and
Laos, preventions against malaria are recommended and immunisation
against hepatitis A and typhoid fever is also advised. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected
areas. There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue
fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese
encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur
during the rainy season and after flooding. There have been
outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of Khon Kaen, Lop
Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also
been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water
and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during your
visit you should seek immediate medical attention. HIV/AIDS is
prevalent in the major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are
good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital - without
insurance, or cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated.
Bangkok has excellent international hospitals.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but is becoming more common in places
frequented by tourists. Tipping 10 to 15 percent on a restaurant
bill is usual, but ultimately this is left up to the customer to
decide based on service performance. Sometimes a 10 percent service
charge is added to the bill at hotels and restaurants, but this is
not common. All help with carrying bags, tour guides etc. welcome
small tips. Taxi drivers are not generally tipped.

Safety Information

Although the political situation in Thailand is currently more
stable than before, there have been major political demonstrations
in Bangkok in recent months accompanied by outbreaks of violence.
Tourists have not been targeted during the protests, but travellers
are advised to avoid all political gatherings and marches and to
stay well-informed about the situation in the country. Travellers
should check out the official travel alerts for Thailand before
visiting, and should be careful to abide by any curfews or other
rules imposed by the Thai government.

There is a threat from terrorism throughout South East Asia and
travellers should be particularly vigilant in public places,
including tourist resorts. Avoid the border areas and don't camp in
undesignated areas in national parks. The security situation in the
southern provinces near the Malaysian border is unstable and travel
to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and Songkhla is to be avoided.
Violence near the Preah Vihear temple area has been recurrent and
visitors are advised to avoid travel there.

Visitors to major cities are advised to secure their passports
and credit cards and not carry too much money or jewellery. In
Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems
recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, particularly at
the Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan, be careful about accepting
drinks from strangers as there have been reports of drinks being
drugged. Incidents of sexual assault do occur and female travellers
should be cautious.

The monsoon season in September and October (November to March
on Koh Samui) brings about flooding in the north, northeast and
central regions, causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors
planning to trek in the jungle during this time should check
conditions with licensed tour guides before leaving.

Local Customs

Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Dress is
informal, although beachwear should be confined to the beach. Drugs
are illegal and travellers should know that possession of even
small quantities can lead to imprisonment, and that drug
traffickers risk the death penalty. Avoid touching others hair or
head (rubbing a child hair for example), as this is a disrespectful
gesture. Taking off one's shoes when entering a home is customary,
although most shops and restaurants do not always expect tourists
to remove their footwear. Do not put your feet on table or chairs,
as lifting a foot toward someone, especially the underside of the
foot is considered a disrespectful gesture. Although haggling is
common when buying items, especially at markets, Thais are
generally very calm and soft spoken people. Arguing loudly or
raising one's voice when haggling is deemed disrespectful in Thai
culture.

Business

Business culture in Thailand is considerably more relaxed than
other Asian countries within the region. However, Thailand shares
its neighbours' work ethic and value systems, as well as emphasis
on hierarchy and building relationships. Senior managers must be
consulted on all matters and decisions. Appearance and age are
important in Thai business culture as they illustrate social
standing and status. Older individuals are generally afforded a
great deal of regard in Thailand. Building relationships is central
to business culture in Thailand. It is ill regarded for a
businessman to start negotiating before being properly acquainted
with his business associates.

The concept of 'face' and saving face is important in Thailand;
so if you make a mistake, don't expect it to be pointed out to you.
Also, if a business associate makes a mistake, it is impolite to
draw attention to it or correct them. In 2010, Thailand was the
fastest growing economy in SouthEast Asia. Despite this, Thais
value family time and time to actually live life. Placing family in
front of business priorities is the norm.

English is the language of business in Thailand, but translators
are often needed. Business hours are from 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm
with an hour for lunch. Dress styles tend to be quite formal, but
due to the humid climate, heavy suits are rare. However, meetings
with senior management tend to be slightly more formal and jackets
are usually worn. Men generally wear shirts, slacks and a tie while
women wear below-the-knee skirts and blouses. Pants-suits for women
are quite rare.

Shaking hands is not a popular form of greeting and the wai
(putting cupped hands in front of oneself and bowing slightly) is
more acceptable. The higher the hands compared to the face when
bowing, the more respect is meant by the wai. It is customary to
wai first to those older than oneself. Thais use first names rather
than surnames preceded by Kuhn for both men and women. As with many
Asian nations, giving gifts to business associates is generally a
good idea. When receiving gifts, don't open them in front of the
giver. Wait to be introduced to others, as it is an indication of
rank. Often the hierarchical structures favour the elders in a
group and respect must be given accordingly.

Communications

The international country dialling code for Thailand is +66. The
outgoing code is 001, followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
00144 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use. To dial
a mobile in Thailand an 8 must precede the city code. International
direct dial facilities are available throughout most of the
country. Mobile phone networks cover most towns, cities and holiday
resorts; operators use GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 networks. Internet
cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers to Thailand do not have to pay duty on 200
cigarettes, 250g tobacco or equivalent amount of cigars, 1 litre of
alcohol, 1 camera with 5 rolls of film or 1 movie camera with 3
rolls of 8 or 16 mm film. Goods to the value of THB 10,000 per
person for non-residents with transit visas and THB 20,000 per
person for holders of tourist visas are allowed. Family allowances
are double the individual allowances. Prohibited items include
firearms and ammunition without licenses, fireworks, and drugs.
Trafficking in drugs carries the maximum penalty. Restrictions
apply to meat imported from countries affected by BSE or mad cow
and foot-and-mouth diseases. Antiques or objects of art and
religious articles may not be exported without a license.

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